Courtyards and decks anchor the landscape and extend the living areas of the home, creating an open-air space for talking, dining, playing, and relaxing. A well-designed, well-built patio or deck can also add value to a home. The two structures are similar in functionality and usability, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Having a detailed understanding of their advantages, disadvantages, and maintenance requirements can help you decide which structure is right for you.
What Is Terrace
The terrace is basically a paved area that is flush with the ground. The range of sizes, shapes, materials, and locations to consider is almost limitless. A large brick patio can serve as a spacious entry point from your home to your backyard. Stone paving in the wide side yard serves as a floor for the outdoor kitchen and dining room. A ring of weathered granite (DG) may be the foundation of a resort in the back corner of your yard. You are limited only by space, design style, and budget.
Pros of Choosing a Terrace
Plenty of design and material options. Rectangular or square terraces are common, but you’re not limited to these shapes. Rounded corners and free-form edges can give your patio a unique look. Other shapes also allow you to go around obstacles, such as large trees or awkward corners.
- Concrete is versatile and suitable for almost any architectural style.
- Natural stones, such as slate, bluestone, limestone, and sandstone, provide a more organic feel while still pairing well with a wide range of design styles.
- Brick has a classic look that goes well with a traditional home, but it can also go well with a modern style.
- Terracotta or tiles for outdoor use are popular in warmer climates.
- For a more natural feel, look for loose materials such as crushed gravel or weathered granite.
More privacy. The low profile of the terrace allows you to enjoy the outdoor space without feeling like you’re on display. It’s also relatively easy to add fences, walls, or screens of different heights to define the space and create a cozy atmosphere, while further reducing prying eyes.
It’s easier to add facilities. It’s easier to add features like a fire pit, fireplace, pond, and outdoor kitchen to the patio than it is on the deck. You don’t have to worry about weight restrictions or support for heavier facilities. If needed, add underground pipes or wires at the beginning of construction to keep things tidy.
The lifespan is comparatively long. In most cases, a well-built and well-maintained terrace will last for decades. You may need to make some minor repairs, but the whole courtyard will be kept in good condition.
Cons of Choosing a Terrace
Not suitable for uneven surfaces. Terraces need to be built on level ground or with minimal slope. If you want to add a patio to the slope, you’ll need to do more preparation, including possibly digging and leveling the ground or adding patios and steps between floors.
You need to think about drainage. Sturdy terraces prevent water from draining into the ground. Instead, water accumulates on the surface or on the house itself. You’ll need to direct water from the patio to the ground, which may include installing drains.
It is more difficult to take advantage of the landscape. The privacy advantage can mean that you are also less aware of your surroundings. Look for ways to maximize the landscape you have, whether it’s trees or water in the distance, or carefully planted plants in your own yard.
Terrace Maintenance
Terraces usually have fairly low maintenance requirements. You may need to frequently sweep and rinse surfaces, remove stains, and repair or replace damaged areas. If your patio has gaps between pavers or is laid on sand or landscape cloth, you may also need some weed control. Some materials may also need to be sealed regularly.
What Is Deck
A deck is an open, outdoor structure, usually made of wood, that sits above ground. The deck is usually attached to the house, but you can design the deck as a destination in the landscape, whether it’s relaxing at the pool or spa, enjoying the views in the distance, or relaxing in the resort area. The deck also has a natural atmosphere that suits any landscape.
Pros of Choosing a Deck
Ideal for uneven surfaces. The deck can span the slope to provide you with a flat outdoor space. Decks as low as ground level may be only a few inches high, but this height is high enough to cover the rugged landscape without leveling it. The higher deck, set on the pillars, may extend to a steeper slope.
Versatile design options. The deck’s design, layout, and finishes can be chosen to suit almost any home style. The deck can also provide a smooth transition from the ground floor to the upper level to provide additional outdoor space. Adding two or more decks provides a variety of outdoor options. Stairs or ramps that connect them to each other or to other parts of the yard will give you more flexibility.
Advantages of the landscape. If your property overlooks a natural landscape or a bustling city, choose your terrace so you can enjoy the view. The deck on the second floor will give you a bird’s-eye view of the scenery (which you can design with in mind).
Cons of Choosing a Deck
Material Limitations. Most decks are made of wood or a combination of wood and wood composites. Wood has a natural beauty that’s hard to ignore, but it requires more maintenance and doesn’t last as long as wood composites. Wood composites have become more realistic and easier to use than they were when they were first introduced, but they still don’t have the natural beauty of some of the popular woods. If you want to make sure you’re making sustainable choices, look for wood with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
The lifespan is comparatively shorter. Neither wood nor wood composites last as long as stone, brick, or concrete. Without regular maintenance and sealing, a beautiful wooden deck can start to deteriorate in as little as five years. Wood composites don’t show its age so quickly. Decks made of these two materials may need to be replaced in 20 to 25 years.
Weight is an issue. You can add amenities like fireplaces, fire pits, spas, and outdoor kitchens to the wooden deck, but you’ll need to plan for the added weight and structural costs. For low decks, these problems may be minor, but for high decks that require additional support, the problems can increase significantly.
Lack of privacy. The decks offer beautiful views, but they also expose you to neighbors and passers-by. You may need to add features that protect your privacy, such as pergolas, gazebos, screens, or curtains.
Deck Maintenance
Composite decks require minimal maintenance. They don’t fade and you can clean them with water and a little detergent.
Wooden decks require more maintenance to prevent deformation, drying, and other damage. You’ll need to power wash your wooden deck every year, usually in late autumn when pollen and leaves are falling. If you’ve added colorants or sealants, you’ll also need to update them regularly.